When a dental emergency strikes, it can disrupt your day and cause panic, especially if it involves a loved one. As a family dentist serving Oakville, we understand that accidents and sudden oral health issues can affect people of all ages—from toddlers with chipped baby teeth to seniors experiencing sudden toothaches. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most common family dental emergencies, how to handle them, and when to contact Trafalgar Village Dental for prompt care.
Common Family Dentist Emergencies and What to Do
1. Broken or Chipped Teeth
A fall or an unexpected accident can result in a cracked or chipped tooth. While it may not always cause pain immediately, prompt action is essential to prevent further damage.
What to Do:
• Rinse the mouth gently with warm water.
• If there’s bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area.
• Save any broken pieces of the tooth and keep them in milk or saliva.
• Call Trafalgar Village Dental right away for an emergency appointment.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
Losing a tooth unexpectedly can be alarming. Acting quickly can improve the chances of saving the tooth, especially in children and teenagers.
What to Do:
• Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse it gently if it’s dirty.
• If possible, place the tooth back in the socket without forcing it.
• If re-inserting the tooth isn’t possible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation kit.
• Get to our office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
3. Sudden Toothache or Swelling
A sudden, sharp pain or swelling in the mouth can indicate an infection or abscess, which requires urgent treatment to prevent complications.
What to Do:
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve discomfort.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, but avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Contact Trafalgar Village Dental for same-day care.
4. Loose or Damaged Dental Fillings and Crowns
Sometimes, fillings or crowns become loose or fall out, leaving the tooth exposed to bacteria. This can lead to sensitivity or pain if not treated promptly.
What to Do:
• Try to keep the area clean to avoid further damage.
• Use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to cover the area if possible.
• Bring any dislodged crown or filling to your appointment.
• Call our office for advice on whether immediate care is needed.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries (Tongue, Lips, or Gums)
Injuries to the soft tissues can bleed heavily, even if they aren’t serious. Knowing how to handle them can prevent panic.
What to Do:
• Rinse your mouth with water to clean the area.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• If bleeding persists, use a piece of gauze and apply gentle pressure.
• Call us if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes or if stitches may be needed.
Why Choose a Family Dentist for Dental Emergencies?
At Trafalgar Village Dental, we are equipped to handle dental emergencies for patients of all ages. Whether it’s your toddler’s chipped tooth or your teenager’s braces emergency, we offer compassionate care tailored to your family’s needs. With convenient emergency appointments, you won’t need to wait to restore your oral health.
Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies
• Use mouthguards during sports activities to protect teeth.
• Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels, which can crack teeth.
• Maintain regular dental checkups to catch potential issues early.
• Teach children proper brushing and flossing habits to reduce the risk of cavities and infections.
Contact Trafalgar Village Dental for Emergency Care
If your family experiences a dental emergency, trust Trafalgar Village Dental to provide swift and expert care. Our team is ready to assist you with everything from knocked-out teeth to sudden toothaches.
📞 Contact us at (905) 339-0404
📧 Email: info@trafalgarvillagedental.com
🏠 Location: 117 Cross Avenue, Oakville, ON L6J 2W7
Don’t wait—your smile matters to us, and we’re here when you need us the most!